Next week at the annual international meeting of the UN Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW), states will agree whether to start discussions on autonomous weapons systems. The Convention on Conventional Weapons, agreed in 1980, is the UN treaty designed to develop new rules on weapons that pose particular concerns for humanity.

Although fully autonomous weapons are not yet in operation, a number of states are well underway with research, development and testing of these technologies. The UK began testing its autonomous unmanned intercontinental combat aircraft last month. The US is already ahead of the game with the x47-b that can now take off and land on aircraft carriers. China has been developing the Anjian for autonomous air-to-air combat. There are also parallel developments with ground, sea and submarine robots.

WHO:All states that are party to the CCW can participate in discussions.France is chairing the meeting and has tabled a mandate proposing talks on ‘lethal autonomous weapons systems’.

The UK has said it will participate at the CCW meeting in Geneva next week, and campaigners are calling on the UK to back this initiative.

WHEN:

PRESS BRIEFING

Wednesday 13 November, 10.00-11.00, in the Library at the United Nations, Geneva

The Campaign to Stop Killer Robots will hold a press briefing, which is open to UN Correspondents Association (ACANU) members.